The Police Jury of the Parish of Avoyelles Parish, State of Louisiana, met for a Regular Meeting at its meeting place on Tuesday, Oct. 21, in the Police Jury Room of the Parish Courthouse, 312 North Main Street, Marksville.
There were present: Mark Borrel, Jacob Coco, Darrell Wiley, Allen Thomas, Sam Pearce, Travis Franks, Rhett Desselle- Pan American Engineers, Civil Works Director-Kevin Bordelon, District Attorney-Charles Riddle, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, Laura Gaspard, Twyla Lemoine, Terry Laborde, Marcus Guillory-Delta Engineers, Jacob Giloory-Delta Engineers, Representative Daryl Deshotel, Brendon Gaspard-Pan American Engineers, Rhett Desselle-Pan American Engineers, Cedric Myers-Department of Veteran Affairs
Absent: McKinley Keller & Ingrid Wilson
The meeting opened with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll call by Secretary-Treasurer.
President Wiley acknowledged the existing confusion surrounding the appropriations from various funding sources pertinent to today’s meeting. He emphasized the importance of ensuring accurate and effective processes moving forward. Furthermore, he expressed his belief that the Committee for Capital Improvements serves as a valuable practice. In conclusion, he informed the board that during the recorded meeting, which was made available to the audience, there was a discussion regarding excess Capital Outlay funds.
Juror Franks expressed that the Capital Outlay appropriations were not subject to a vote by the jury concerning their allocation or the specific roads to be funded. He referenced three reports that presented varying amounts of funding sources. He emphasized the importance of bringing these matters before the board for approval prior to the initiation of each project, in order to ensure transparency and proper oversight.
Representative Daryl Deshotel provided a comprehensive overview of the process for securing funding from the Treasury and Facility Planning. In relation to the agenda of today’s meeting, he informed the jurors that the allocations from the Treasury are specifically designated for the listed roads. Moreover, he emphasized that any appropriations made by the Treasury must be expended entirely on the specified road. Should there be any deviations from this allocation, prior legislative approval is necessary. Additionally, it is important to note that a combined invoice cannot be submitted to the Treasury, as the funds allocated are project specific.
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Allen Thomas, authorizing the Secretary-Treasurer to pay request #1 from Diamond B $977,076.90, less retainage ($51,425.10). On vote: Yea Travis Franks, Mark Borrel, Jacob Coco, Sam Pearce, Allen Thomas; Nay None; Abstain None. Absent McKinley Keller & Ingrid Wilson
The motion carried.
A discussion was held regarding an incident at the LSU Ag Center, which accommodates the Department of Veterans Affairs representative. Various options for potential relocation sites were presented. However, some of these options were found to be infeasible due to the ongoing and uncertain rental costs, raising concerns about the sustainability of these expenses within the general fund. The jurors will continue to explore alternative solutions.
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Jacob Coco, to submit the following applications for Capital Outlay request 2026, further authorizing Travis Franks to submit the applications. On vote:
Travis Franks- Village of Hessmer Improvements $100,000
Equipment for the Fifth Ward Fire Department $50,000
Sam Pearce- Animal Shelter $350,000
Jacob Coco- Truck and boat with trailer for rescue for Simmesport Fire Department $300,000
Allen Thomas-Handicap Park $200,000
Mark Borrel- Roadway Improvements $2,000,000
Kevin Bordelon requested $115,000 for Skid Steer
The motion carried.
On motion by Sam Pearce, seconded by Jacob Coco, the meeting adjourned.